Tribal Fisheries Focus Meeting

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Environmental Division held a focus meeting on Tribal Fisheries, Thursday April 13, 2017. Information was shared by the Program Manager, Tony David and feedback was given by community members. Some of the main topics of discussion were the importance of the different types of fish species and how to improve their habitat. Sturgeon is one of the main concerns in our rivers because of the decrease in their population, but there is concern for all fish species as a whole. Some people may not think twice about whether or not the fish are thriving in our rivers.

Education is one major objective that needs to be looked into further. A lot of concerns were voiced by some community members about how some fishermen don’t know which ones shouldn’t be harvested and when it is a good time to harvest. Some suggestion were made as to how to spread awareness amongst the community and especially the youth. If there was enough interest in education about our rivers and the fish that are in it, further action can be taken.

There may be future focus meetings, which are open to the public. If you eat fish then it concerns you, if you know someone who fishes or you fish then it concerns you. This matter concerns everyone in our community. Look for future announcements on the next meeting and attend and give feedback, your voice will be heard. You can help to make a difference in our rivers.